Wilfrid Lawson (1900 - 1966)

Lawson was born in Bradford and became an actor when he was 16. He was just old enough to catch the last year of the Great War which he spent as a pilot in the RAF. The 1920s were spent slogging away in provincial theatres before he made his name in a series of Shaw plays in the West End from 1930. In most of these roles he played older men including the dustman Doolittle in Pygmalion. This set his career as a star character actor.  

In the mid-30s he spent a couple of years on Broadway, though he turned down the offer of a Hollywood contract. On his return to Britain he took a leading role in Turn of the Tide, the film which helped establish J Arthur Rank's film empire. He was in demand during the run up to the Second World War both in film and on the stage, and he was again in America when war broke out. He returned and rejoined the RAF, though his film career continued. Hollywood came calling again, this time for the prestigious production of How Green Was My Valley, but he was refused an exit permit by the Home Secretary.

He remained in demand during the 50s, though his drinking was now a problem and was rapidly assuming legendary status in the profession. One live television performance was nearly wrecked by a doorman refusing him re-admittance to the studio in the belief Lawson was just a drunken tramp. Despite this, people still valued his skill enough to give him plum roles, including at the Royal Court and the RSC.

If it hadn't been for his drinking, Lawson could have been bracketed with the great acting knights Olivier, Richardson etc. As it was, he left a legacy of solid performances on film including some records of his fine stage portrayals. 

Filmography 

 Wilfrid Lawson at Amazon UK

 Wilfrid Lawson at Amazon US